University Policy 503, Fighting Words Harassment in the University Community, has been revised to eliminate some ambiguous terms. The revisions remove language that is overbroad based on free speech protections provided by the First Amendment and narrow the University’s definition of “fighting words” to be more consistent with Supreme Court jurisprudence.
University Policy 707, Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products, has been revised by adding a new defined term, “tobacco product,” which means a cigarette, a cigar, chewing tobacco, vapor product, or any other product that contains tobacco and is intended for inhalation, oral use, or nasal use. The term does not include nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, or other tobacco cessation products. The revised Policy prohibits not only smoking (which already includes “vaping”), but also the “use of tobacco products” in University buildings and vehicles.
The rewritten University Policy 601.8, Appropriate Use of University Funds, clarifies defined terms and accounts for changes to the UNC Policy Manual Policies 600.2.4 and 600.2.4.1 that delegate to the Chancellor the authority to manage Institutional Trust Funds. Newly appended supplemental standards set forth more specific standards and procedures for specific uses of University funds, such as meals and entertainment; conferences and events; marketing and development; gifts, awards, and other payments; and student-oriented activities.
The UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees has revised University Policy 314, Centers and Institutes, to conform with UNC Policy Manual, 400.5[R], Regulations for Planning, Establishing, and Reviewing Centers and Institutes in The University of North Carolina. These revisions include clarification that the Provost, and the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development as designate, will review new center and institute proposals and evaluate existing centers and institutes in accordance with the recently updated supplemental Procedures for Establishing, Reviewing, and Discontinuing Centers and Institutes at UNC Charlotte.
University Policy 603.2, Contracting with Employees or their Relatives, has been revised to clarify and update the policy, procedures, roles, and responsibilities. The revised policy clearly sets forth procedures for employees and the Purchasing Office, and provides that Materials Management will review every proposed contractual procurement relationship that involves a University employee, state of North Carolina employee, or their immediate family members. Each proposal will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if it is a sound business decision and makes the most financial sense for the expenditure of University funds.
University Policy 404, Death of a Student, has been revised to provide clear communication and notification procedures, clear delineation of various responsibilities, and to add a Postvention Response Team.
University Policy 601.4, Integrated Space Management, has been revised to:
This policy has been revised to reflect the Chancellor's delegation of authority to appoint the Patent Committee to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development.
University Policy 603.1, Authority to Sign Contracts and Other Official Documents has been revised to define what documents are considered contracts, clarify the responsibilities of people who have signature authority to sign contracts for the University, and clarify the repercussions of signing a contract without having the proper authority. These revisions also include an updated chart listing which individuals on campus have the authority to sign contracts and a one-page resource guide for individuals who plan to sign a contract for the University.
University Policy 701, Adverse Weather and Emergency Events, has been revised to be consistent with the new terminology used by OSHR and UNC System policies regarding Condition 1 (Reduced Operations), Condition 2 (Suspended Operations), and Condition 3 (Closure) statuses. The categories in the previous policy (OS 1 (Normal), OS 2 (Adverse Weather), and OS 3 (Emergency Event)) are no longer accurate, and the University will no longer have nomenclature for “Normal” status.
Most notably, there is now a significant threshold between Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) and Condition 3 (Closure). The OSHR and UNC system policies require "non-mandatory employees" who choose not to work under Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) to use compensatory and/or vacation for time not worked during C2. Condition 3 (Closure) is limited to events that pose the most severe risks to health and safety or present the most difficult logistical challenges that will severely impede the efficient and effective functioning of the University, and requires approval by the UNC System President.